Mike Levin: “2 weeks ago, the majority leader indicated that before this session of Congress comes to an end, the Senate may consider…”

“2 weeks ago, the majority leader indicated that before this session of Congress comes to an end, the Senate may consider the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, a bill the New York Times has said "would give gun manufacturers and dealers a courthouse shield that tobacco and asbestos companies never had in being forced to come to terms with some of the damage their products inflict." While it now appears unlikely that the bill will be considered in the Senate this year, I would nevertheless like to express my concerns about it. The bill would rewrite well-accepted principles of liability law, providing the gun industry legal protections enjoyed by no other industry. Some claim that this bill would prevent frivolous lawsuits and protect firearm manufacturers, dealers, and distributors from being held responsible for the actions of criminals. While most gun dealers and manufacturers may conduct their business responsibly, this bill would shield negligent and reckless gun dealers and manufacturers from legitimate civil lawsuits. In fact, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Violence Policy Center, many meritorious cases could be dismissed under the bill. And according to a letter from University of Michigan Law Professor Sherman Clark, the case filed by the Washington, D.C. area sniper victims is among those that would not survive if the legislation were enacted.”